- Two large ball pythons were found abandoned in Devon woodland
- Experts believe more may be loose and urge humane rehoming options
- Tropiquaria Zoo warns these snakes will struggle in winter conditions
Two gigantic pythons have been discovered in a British woodland, and experts worry there are more on the loose.
The non-venomous snakes, which can grow to six feet long, are not large enough to kill an adult but may bite youngsters and small pets.
On August 30, a ball python, commonly known as a royal python, was discovered in Huntsham Wood, Tiverton, Devon.
Two days later, an identical snake was discovered in the exact location.
Staff from Tropiquaria Zoo in Watchet, Somerset, arrived to rescue the animals, who appeared well-fed and cared for.
However, because the snakes were discovered so close together, experts assume their owners purposely abandoned them.
Ball pythons are found in the grasslands, shrublands, and open forests of west and central Africa, and they would struggle to survive in the wild during a British winter.
This species is from Sub-Saharan Africa, and releasing them into the British countryside, especially as fall approaches, is cruel and completely needless,’ Tropiquaria Zoo’s director, Chris Mosier, told Need To Know.
If the animals were not swiftly rescued, they would probably die slowly.
‘Given their distant position, it is unlikely they were intended to be found.
‘We don’t know if the owner merely released these two or if there are any other reptiles out there.
Devon and Cornwall Police received a report of animal abuse on September 3. However, there are present ‘no active lines of inquiry.’
Seize the opportunity: Sign up for Webull UK and receive free shares!
Mr Moiser stated that while he understands that even responsible, loving owners may be unable to continue caring for their animals due to the current economic climate and energy prices, there are numerous organizations that will take them in.
He stated: “The National Centre for Reptile Welfare, for example, can take them, re-home them, and often arrange collection when the need is urgent and compelling.”
‘This makes the owner’s conduct even more reprehensible, as a few minutes of internet investigation would have resulted in a satisfactory and humane conclusion.
Mr Moiser stated that abandoning is quite rare.
He stated that, if necessary, most conscientious owners re-home their pets through rescue shelters.
‘It is the occasional case like this that provides animal rights groups ammo to demand that the government legislate against the private ownership of exotic animals, even though most owners are pretty responsible, care for their animals, and educate friends and family about their pets.
‘Most prominent zoos would not get engaged in this circumstance.
Tropiquaria believes that as part of our educational responsibility, we should aid wherever possible. We should do so when our staff expertise may benefit the local community (both human and non-human species).
In this situation, doing so has cost us many hours of staff time on a tight budget, a few pounds in fuel, and a small amount in vet expenses.
